Yemeni Military Reclaims Territories from Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula

Yemeni city of Shuqra fell to government forces when Yemeni troops took control of the city last Friday.

Shuqra is the last major stronghold of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Abyan province to fall to government forces.

Reports say the Yemeni military launched an all-out offensive last month that resulted in the recapture of the towns of Jaar and Zinjibar.

Imam Anwar alAwlaki in Yemen October 2008, taken by Muhammad ud-Deen.

At DC, Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland says the United States of America commend Yemeni military success against Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula.

“The United States commends the success of the Yemeni government, military, and people in re-taking important areas of southern Yemen, including the cities of Ja’ar and Zinjibar, from al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).” -Ms. Nuland

She notes that after sustained Yemeni operations, AQAP no longer controls those cities.

These achievements come just weeks after the violent extremists were similarly pushed out of the city of Lawdar, she added.

She cites that Al-Qa’ida’s presence in Abyan has had a devastating impact on the citizens there and prevented the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance desperately needed by the Yemeni people.

The United States extends its deepest condolences for those who lost their lives and note the courageous efforts of Yemeni citizens who joined with the Yemeni military in the fight against terrorism.

Their bravery serves as a reminder that the Yemeni population rejects al-Qa’ida and the violence it promotes, Ms. Nuland stressed.

As Yemeni security services continue to reclaim territory previously held by AQAP, the United States encourages the prompt restoration of civilian authority, humanitarian relief, and essential public services across Yemen.

She adds the United States remains committed to working with Yemen as it addresses the many challenges it faces in the security realm as well as political, economic, and humanitarian affairs.

Ms. Nuland emphaiszes that the US government will continue to work with President Hadi and the Yemeni people in their efforts to rebuild their nation and ensure long-term stability, safety, and security in Yemen.

On May this year, at least 96 people were killed in a deadly attack in the middle of an army battalion in Sanaa in Yemen.

Reports say a suicide bomber wearing Yemeni soldier uniform detonated explosives under his uniform in the middle of an army battalion in the capital Sanaa, killing dozens of troops.

The Al-Qaeda reported claimed it was responsible for a suicide bombing.

The United States of America expressed condemnation on terrorist attack against Yemeni military forces.

On his statement today at DC, Acting Spokesperson Mark C. Toner

extended America’s deepest condolences to the friends and families of the scores killed and wounded in the attack.

Earlier in the month of May, Yemen’s army launched an offensive to retake Al-Qaeda towns and cities held by extremists across Abyan. Reports say 158 Al-Qaeda fighters have been killed in the battles.

Reports say Yemen is increasingly a source of concern for the United States and other Western countries as the mixing of civil discontent and regional actors makes it vulnerable to terror groups such as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Shi’ite Houthi rebels.

In addition to fighting an ongoing civil war with the secessionist Houthis, the country has become a breeding ground for AQAP.

AQAP has been behind attacks on Yemeni soil and has used the country as a launching pad for terror attacks elsewhere.

In addition to the terror threat and domestic instability, Yemen faces poverty and severe oil and water shortages.

On February this year, Yemen’s new President Abbed Rabbo Mansour al-Hadi took his oath of office in parliament, formally removing Ali Abdullah Saleh from power after 33 years.

Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi ran in the uncontested race, a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council to neutralize the conflict engulfing the country.

It is estimated that the recent political turmoil in Yemen, part of a wave of protests across the Middle East and North Africa calling for social, economic and democratic reforms, has led to more than 82 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain English. Mina Fabulous is the pen name of Carmen Avalino, the NewsBlaze production editor. When she isn’t preparing stories for NewsBlaze writers, she writes stories, but to separate her editing and writing identities, she uses the name given by her family and friends.